The States

West Virginia PSC modified a request for proposal for a management audit of electric service reliability. The Commission’s aim was to extend deadlines for proposals and the resulting project. The focus is to be that state’s distribution system served by Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power, operating companies of American Electric Power.

“We have a new set of customers who are struggling with affordability issues, and that is something we’re noticing here. That’s a big issue we’re dealing with, and when large new loads are tied to that equation, affordability becomes even more complex.”

“There is no realistic way to interconnect larger numbers of generators of any fuel type or move that power around the Northwest without Bonneville Power Administration’s partnership, system growth, and investments. There’s no way to accommodate the growth without that partnership.”

“New Mexico still has zero-carbon and renewable portfolio standards. Utilities and regulators need to abide by those laws regardless of uncertainty occurring beyond New Mexico.”

“We’re eliminating the mandates. You’re seeing that from the administration in Washington, D.C., as well. We started down this path in 2023 with our changes in our Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, REST rules. We don’t need to subsidize it either.”

Part two in PUF’s series, with conversations with Arizona Chair Kevin Thompson, New Mexico Chair Gabriel Aguilera, Oregon Chair Letha Tawney, and Pennsylvania Chair Steve DeFrank with PUF Senior Advisor Paul Kjellander.

Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Nevada recently approved tariffs for new large load customers. This panel at the 2025 NARUC Summer Policy Summit explored the state objectives regulators consider when evaluating tariffs and which tariff design elements support those goals. On the panel were moderator and North Carolina Commissioner Floyd McKissick Jr., moderator and Virginia Commissioner Kelsey Bagot, SEPA Senior Manager, Emerging Technology Ann Collier, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Deputy Department Leader Natalie Mims Frick, Verrus Head of Energy Jeff Bladen, and ALN Policy and Law, LLC President Angela Navarro, a former Virginia Commissioner.

“Last year, the governor pushed for a siting and permitting bill that is one of the first in the nation on getting clean energy sited in the state. That bill is about having predictable timelines that are shorter with less appeals and provide an opportunity for people to participate in these proceedings.”

“Since our work at the DPU is related to people’s everyday lives without them truly knowing it, we make sure we’re communicating effectively through a combination of print media, social media, and our website.”

“My Division is tasked with the transition to a clean energy system. It’s specifically as we transition off natural gas. There are challenges. Safety and reliability are paramount. Massachusetts is leading the way on several issues. We don’t often have somebody we can look to for answers.”